By Maria Shimizu Christensen

[image] daffodil

The Daffodil Parade is one of the longest running traditions in the Pacific Northwest and the only parade to march through four cities on the same day. And despite the fact that it’s a large 4-city event, it’s also very much a hometown, community-focused happening.

Floats bedecked with daffodils celebrating the region’s agricultural roots. High school bands from around the South Sound. Local businesses and organizations. The Daffodil Queen and her court of princesses. These are the traditional parade elements that have remained steadfast pretty much since 1926.

The parade takes place Saturday, April 6th, and starts in Tacoma at 10:15 am. It next makes its way to Puyallup for a 12:45 pm start time. At 2:30 pm it appears in Sumner, and the last stop is in Orting where festivities begin at 5:00 pm.

Check the website for a parade route map for each city.

[image] tacoma movies

Mick Flaaen, a Tacoma-based filmmaker and preservationist, will showcase the Tacoma Home Movies project. This treasure trove of films found in an old projector case highlights rare historical footage and candid moments of life in Washington throughout the years. Flaaen will be joined by historian Michael Sullivan to discuss their discoveries and insights from the project.

The Grand Cinema, South Sound's favorite independent and international cinema destination, will join us, along with MIPoPS: Moving Image Preservation of Puget Sound, who will provide tips on preserving and restoring home movies.

Guests can enjoy film-inspired charades, trivia, a red carpet photo station, cash bar, and movie-theater-inspired snacks.

This event is organized by: The Washington State History Museum, Mick Flaaen, Michael Sullivan, Moving Image Preservation of Puget Sound (MIPoPS), and The Grand Cinema.

When: Thursday, April 11, 2024 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

Where: The Washington State History Museum – 1911 Pacific Ave, Tacoma, WA 98402

Additional Information: This event is 21+, and ID is required. Registration includes two drink tickets. $20 members, $25 public, $30 at the door. More information at: https://www.washingtonhistory.org/event/tacoma-home-movies/

[image] caribbean queens

By Emily Molina | South Sound Magazine

Head to Edison Square between 11 a.m.-4 p.m. this Saturday April 6 for the first Caribbean Queens Festival. The free community gathering of women-focused businesses, cuisine, and entertainment celebrates a diaspora of the Caribbean right here in Tacoma.

The event includes a wide-ranging lineup of food, art, and performances spanning countries like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Jamaica, Trinidad, Guam, Mexico, Colombia, and more.

Activities will take place both inside and at the outdoor village in the venue’s back parking lot, which includes the main entertainment stage and kid’s zone. There's something for everyone at the festival.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the community to, perhaps, a different side of the Puget Sound region,” said lead organizer Julie Davidson, president and CEO of The JD Group. “A lot of us are quietly out here doing our thing, and the Caribbean diaspora spans many countries, languages, and cultural groups. We’ve never had a cohesive event of this nature in Tacoma, and we’re really proud to showcase the diversity, texture, and flavors of the Caribbean.”

Read More

[image] book club

This month’s book club pick is @danielwarrenart & @spicercolor's Do A Powerbomb. The story of an aspiring wrestler living in the shadow of her famous mother meets a wrestling-obsessed necromancer who includes her in the biggest and most dangerous wrestling tournament of all time.

Do A Powerbomb - $24.99

We're open from 1pm-6pm Tuesday through Friday and 11am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Plus we ship worldwide. Just email EthanHDDestiny@gmail.com with what you'd like and we can invoice you via PayPal or CashApp.

[image] thrift

Save the date - Friday, April 12 - for our free monthly program at the museum!

Join Tacoma Historical Society for our April monthly program presented by THS director Jessica Smith. Jessica will discuss the history of second-use clothing, from used clothing peddlers in Europe to the advent of Thrift Stores in America and the modern popularity of Thrifting in pop culture & fashion. Jessica will also be providing tips and tricks for thrifting and second-use clothing in Tacoma today!

Refreshments will be provided. Doors open at 6:00pm for exhibit viewing; the talk begins at 6:30pm. This event is FREE or by donation. Donations can be made through Ludus or at the door.

This event is generously sponsored by Tacoma Creates.

For questions, call (253) 472-3738 or email info@tacomahistory.org.

[image] sugar

Address: 5412 S Tacoma Way, Tacoma, WA 98409

Time: 9:00pm - 2:00am

Tier 2 GA $22 ADV

Get tickets here.

18+ Bring Your ID!

Performances by: Kenzis Black, Blood Code, Graz, Kobai Chi

Wear your brightest loudest cosplay or Fashion to this 1 of a kind cosplay rave. We're taking over the area with all things pastel, candy, and hyper lit music! Dress in your boldest cosplay, and get ready to dance into 2024 with the hottest beats!

What to Expect:

EDM beats and Japanese Club Music, Cosplay Guest Kawaii AF, Anime Visuals, Sweet/Savory Themed Drinks, Anime merch Vendors

****Event Ticket Sales are FINAL SALE! We will only issue refunds if an event is being rescheduled or cancelled. If you cannot attend an event, feel free to sell your tickets on third party apps or consider it a tax deductible donation to Viaduct DBA Real Art Tacoma 501(c)(3).

Reminder that Real Art is a 100% Drug & Alcohol free venue space. All alcoholic beverages must be consumed inside Beyond ThunderDome Cafe. We strive to maintain a safe, inclusive, and supportive community.Please consider the personal space you take up and respect those around you. Our venue is wheelchair accessible and has gender neutral bathrooms. Please ask if you have any questions. info@realarttacoma.com ****

***General Admission guarantees you entrance to Real Art Tacoma to witness a live performance of Music, Art, or Event of Cultural Significance. Most events hosted at Real Art Tacoma are standing room only, but reasonable accommodations for seating are available; but limited. There is no guarantees that one will receive seating for an event unless purchased tickets specifically stated so.***

[image] bleak

Friday, April 4th - Sunday April 7th

All Shows are in beautiful Tacoma, WA

Thursday, April 4th

E9 Brewery - 2505 Fawcett Ave.

Bleak-End - Social Meet up

5:00 - 9:00 - A formidable cast of DJs spinning all vinyl sets. + face painting + pop up record shop from Jankuland + pizza & craft beer!

Friday, April 5th

Show #1 Friday

THE METHOD - 822 Court A

12:00 - 1:00 Doors

1:00 - 1:30 Salt Lick

1:45 - 2:30 Hidden Driver

2:45 - 3:30 Black Ends

All Ages // $10

Show # 2 Friday

SUE'S WAY - 2365 Tacoma Ave S.

4:00 - 4:15 Doors

4:15 - 4:45 Stray Rails

5:00 - 5:30 Excess Express

5:45 - 6:30 Vanessa Dee & The Brightsides

All Ages / $12

Show # 3 Friday

NEW FRONTIER - 301 E. 25th St.

6:00 - 7:00 Doors

7:00 - 7:45 The Vicious Cycles

8:00 - 8:45 Girl Trouble

9:00 - 9:45 The Fucking Eagles w/ Special Guests

21+ // $15-$20 (sliding scale)

Show # 4 Friday

THE VALLEY - 1206 Puyallup Ave

9:00 - 10:00 Doors

9:45 - 10:45 DJ Bone Burner

10:45 - 11:15 Blast Cells

11:30 - 12:00 Cosmic Trash

12:15 - 1:00 Tacos!

21+ // $10

Saturday, April 6th

Show # 1 Saturday

THE MULE - 5227 S. Tacoma Way

1:30 - 2:00 Doors

2:00 - 2:30 Star Party

2:45 - 3:15 Big Loser

3:30 - 4:00 Cherry Cheeks

21+ // $12

Show # 2 Saturday

Joe's Warehouse - 4301 S. Union Ave

***check in at the Mule for address *will be printed in BO zine***

3:30 - 4:30 Doors

4:30 - 5:00 Uukwuuk

5:15 - 5:45 Facet

6:00 - 6:30 Yellfire

All Ages // $12

Show # 3 Saturday

REAL ART - 5412 S. Tacoma Way

6:00 - 7:00 Doors

7:15 - 7:45 Baptation

8:00 - 8:30 Occult Blood

8:45 - 9:15 Serpent Speech

9:30 - 10:15 Nox Novacula

All Ages // $15

Show # 4 Saturday

Overkill Lounge - 5214 S. Tacoma Way

****disclaimer, we are sharing the neighborhood this day w/ Fishy Fest. They have a full line up of thrash metal, prog rock and punk bands playing @ Overkill Lounge all day. The very last Bleak Outlook show Saturday Night will take place in the same venue right as they are getting out. If you aren't feeling a specific Bleak Outlook show consider going and supporting Fishy Fest right down the street.**

10:30 - 11:00 Doors

11:00 - 11:30 Black Smoker

11:45 - 12:15 Weep Wave

12:30 - 1:00 Serpent Foot

21+ // $12

Sunday, April 7th

Bleak Brunch

DUSTY'S HIDEAWAY - 723 E. 34th Street

11:00 - 12:00 DJ BS-System

12:00 - 1:00 DJ Viejoteca

All Ages // FREE

Show # 1 Sunday

5TH DIMENSION - 3805 E. B. ST. ****Park across 38th St. by the Little Ceasars Pizza lot***

12:00 - 1:00 Doors

1:00 - 1:30 Wheelies

1:45 - 2:15 Sun Spots

2:30 - 3:15 Hutchie

All Ages // $10

Show # 2 Sunday

11TH STREET DIY - 1201 E. D Street

3:00 - 3:30 Doors

3:30 - 3:50 Dekrepit

4:00 - 4:25 Chopping Block

4:35 - 5:00 Spurr

5:15 - 5:45 The Helm

6:00 - 6:45 Planet On A Chain

All Ages // $15

Show # 3 Sunday

THE VALLEY - 1206 Puyallup Ave.

6:30 - 7:30 Doors

7:30 - 8:00 Emi Pop

8:15 - 9:00 The Bad Beats

9:15 - 10:00 Batangas!

21+ // $15

Show # 4 Sunday

NEW FRONTIER - 301 E. 25th St.

9:45 - 10:45 Doors

9:45:00 - 10:45 DJ Jake (Jank Kru)

10:45 - 11:15 Maxx Shredroom

11:30 - 12:00 Quid Quo

12:15 - 1:00 Gold Sweats

21+ // $10 //

Buy limited weekend passes here for $100 that gain you entry to all gigs + a silk screen poster

Buy Weekend Passes here: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/97871/orders/new#/

[image] immaculate

By Elizabeth Mulloy

Cecilia, an American nun of devout faith, embarks on a new journey in a remote convent in the picturesque Italian countryside. Cecilia’s warm welcome quickly devolves into a nightmare as it becomes clear her new home harbors a sinister secret and unspeakable horrors.

Immaculate, directed by Michael Mohan, is a peculiar yet untamed exploration of Catholicism's darker aspects in cinematic form. It occupies a unique space between the jumpscare-centric horror characteristic of Blumhouse and the more nuanced, "elevated" horror epitomized by A24. While it draws from both traditions, it doesn't fit neatly into either category. The film follows Cecilia, a Catholic Nun, who joins a new convent in Italy to care for her ailing sister in faith. As weeks pass, she inexplicably finds herself pregnant, leading many to believe she carries the Son of God.

However, as strange phenomena and unsettling visions unfold, doubts arise about the true nature of her pregnancy. On paper, Immaculate promises a chilling exploration of religious trauma and the intersection of women's bodies with faith. Yet, in execution, it falls short of realizing this potent blend of horror.

In the initial half of the film, tension is primarily manufactured through cheap jump scares rather than allowing the story's natural ambiance to set the mood. These jumpscares feel contrived, lacking originality and failing to evoke genuine fear. However, as the narrative progresses into its latter half, the film begins to leverage its inherent atmosphere to truly horrify the audience.

The transition marks a shift towards a more immersive experience, where the unfolding horrors stem from the organic progression of the story. The horrifying realization of being unwillingly impregnated is terrifying as it is routed in reality. Additionally, when juxtaposed with moments of authentic tension, such as the harrowing escape from captivity in the convent catacombs while undergoing labor, there's an inherent sense of unease that permeates the scene. I just wished the entire film had this momentum that it showed in the film's later half.

The performances in Immaculate offer a varied experience. Sydney Sweeney is inconsistent in Immaculate. She has many moments, especially in the first half, where she is unintentionally funny in what would have been serious and unsettling scenes. However, when she is finally allowed to go full Scream Queen, she kills it. She has this horrifying intensity in these unholy moments that proves she is a perfect match for this genre. Overall, Immaculate is interesting and terrifyingly fun at points, but feels like it is wasted potential.

Rating: C+

Now Playing in Theaters

By Elizabeth Mulloy

🍿Damsel (Juan Fresnadillo) 👸

[image]

A dutiful damsel agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to find the royal family has recruited her as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. Thrown into a cave with a fire-breathing dragon, she must rely on her wits and will to survive.

The title of "most likely written by AI" in 2024 undoubtedly belongs to Damsel, a Netflix production that is so undercooked that a dragon would dare not eat it. This film is a colossal failure, lacking in excitement, originality, and substance. Its narrative is painfully predictable and riddled with pretentiousness, making it seem like I had already pieced together the entire story from the moment the first poster and synopsis were released months ago. Despite claiming to break away from the "damsel in distress" trope, Damsel ultimately succumbs to it, failing to deliver on its promise of subversion. Millie Bobby Brown's performance is disappointingly bland, portraying a character that attempts to be different but ends up feeling forced and unconvincing.

Her portrayal lacks the intimidating presence she brought to her role as Eleven in the first season of Stranger Things. The only redeeming qualities of Damsel are its costume design and the visually appealing dragon design. However, these aspects alone are not enough to salvage what is otherwise a forgettable and lackluster movie.

Rating: D

Now Streaming on Netflix

🍿Film Review: Road House (Doug Liman)

[image]

Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.

On one hand, I appreciate that Road House didn't take itself too seriously and embraced the campiness of its story, which made for an enjoyable experience. However, on the other hand, I'm frustrated by how it spiraled into a chaotic mess. The remake of the 1989 classic, Road House, is a film characterized by tumultuous disarray. Amidst this chaos, there are moments of fun, particularly in the first half. The fight scenes are entertaining, and the chemistry among the cast members adds to the enjoyment. Initially, the film strikes a balance, embracing its campy nature while still maintaining some grounding elements. However, this balance is lost as the movie progresses into its second half. The once-cohesive story and characters are abandoned in favor of poorly executed CGI fights and nauseating cinematography. As a result, what started as an enjoyable romp devolves into a disappointing mess.

The dialogue throughout the movie feels forced and awkward, reminiscent of lines one might encounter from non-playable characters in the Elder Scrolls games. This feeling is exacerbated by the noticeable use of ADR (Audio Dialogue Replacement) throughout the entire film, sometimes even for entire characters. Conor McGregor's acting debut is particularly noticeable in this regard. While his skills as a UFC Fighter are evident, his portrayal outside of fight scenes comes across as a bit cartoonish, making it difficult to take him seriously. Although he seems to be enjoying himself, he stands out starkly from the rest of the cast. McGregor's talents might be better suited for roles as a stunt coordinator or stuntman. On the other hand, Jake Gyllenhaal shines in the movie, carrying it with his natural charm and impressive physique. Despite the poor dialogue, Gyllenhaal manages to infuse his scenes with comedic brilliance. While the rest of the ensemble delivers adequate performances, Gyllenhaal stands out as the highlight of the film.

In general, Road House presents a varied experience. While it has its enjoyable moments amidst the chaos, there are instances where the tumultuous nature of the narrative can overshadow even the most entertaining aspects of the story.

My Rating: C

Now Streaming on Amazon Prime

🍿Film Review: Problemista

[image]

An aspiring toy designer’s work visa runs out, and a job assisting an erratic art-world outcast becomes his only hope to stay in the country and realize his dream. Problemista, directed by Julio Torres, left me somewhat lukewarm. While I found merit in its narrative, character development, and the societal critiques it presented, the comedic elements failed to fully resonate with me. Although there were sporadic instances of humor, I felt that the execution often fell short of its potential. One highlight was witnessing Tilda Swinton's portrayal of a fiery Karen, accompanied by Julio Torres in a comedic tug-of-war. These moments provided a delightful contrast to the otherwise lackluster comedic delivery. However, outside of these standout scenes, the film struggled to maintain my interest. In summary, while Problemista boasts strengths in certain aspects, particularly its performances, it ultimately failed to capture my attention due to its inconsistent comedic tone.

My Rating: B

Now Streaming on Apple TV+